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Hetauda has transformed into a bustling city since becoming the capital of Bagmati Province. Once a modest marketplace just seven years ago, Hetauda’s streets are now alive with activity, establishing it as a key destination in the province. Although it previously served as the headquarters of the Central Region, it hosted only a handful of regional offices. With the advent of federalism and its designation as the provincial capital, over five dozen government offices have been established. The surge in traffic has also posed a challenge for the traffic police on major roads.

The hospitality sector in Hetauda has flourished. Numerous hotels have opened, and the city is emerging as a desirable destination. The population is steadily increasing due to internal migration. Hetauda has also become an educational hub, attracting students from the Tarai region.

Healthcare services have improved significantly. Hetauda Hospital, now recognized as a referral center, boasts an impressive new building and enhanced services. The Madan Bhandari Institute of Health Sciences is producing skilled health professionals from the city. Hetauda also shows promise in sports development, with a stadium constructed in Gauritar to host international events.

Several roads now connect Kathmandu to Hetauda, and the Madan Bhandari Highway has transformed the eastern part of Hetauda and Makawanpur. The dilapidated Janakpur Cigarette Factory has been repurposed, and the provincial government has beautified the Janaki Temple. Permanent government structures have been erected, making Janakpur not only a religious destination but also a center for education and development.

Biratnagar, the capital of Koshi Province, was traditionally known as an industrial city. Since becoming the provincial capital, it has grown into a vibrant marketplace. The presence of provincial offices has increased the population density, although permanent provincial infrastructure is still lacking. Roads, healthcare, and education sectors have seen some improvements, including the upgrading of Koshi Hospital. Industrial expansion and new business centers have added to the city’s energy.

Pokhara, long a tourist favorite, has flourished further as the capital of Gandaki Province. The opening of an international airport has boosted domestic tourism. While permanent provincial structures are still under construction, significant progress has been made in urban development and tourist-friendly infrastructure. The city’s cleanliness and aesthetic appeal have improved. With its smart city initiative, the number of hotels, restaurants, and tourism businesses has grown. The provincial government has also made efforts to conserve Fewa Lake and has declared Pokhara the tourism capital of the province. Additionally, Gandaki University now attracts students from 53 districts.

In Lumbini Province, Deukhuri in Dang has emerged as a growing city after being designated the provincial capital. The planned development of physical infrastructure has begun in earnest. The Provincial Infrastructure Authority is driving urban development based on a master plan. Urbanization has started to take root in the traditionally agriculture-based region, and the government is working toward an eco-friendly, green capital. As a new capital in a relatively undeveloped area, Deukhuri presents an opportunity to build a well-organized city from the ground up.
Birendranagar, the capital of Karnali Province, serves as a hub for neighboring districts. Road development is underway, and a provincial stadium is being constructed in preparation for the 10th National Games. Urban settlement development is progressing rapidly. The city is becoming both an educational and residential destination, increasing population pressure. With the pace of urbanization accelerating, property prices and rent have risen. The establishment of higher education institutions has further boosted its profile.

Dhangadhi, capital of Sudurpaschim Province, has also grown significantly. Key roads have been upgraded, and the Nepal-India border gate has been streamlined. Administrative infrastructure is being developed, and Dhangadhi is becoming an educational hub, bolstered by the presence of Sudurpaschim University. Trade with India has intensified, and the construction of residential and commercial buildings has picked up pace. The provincial government has launched special programs targeting women’s empowerment and youth development. Godavari in Kailali has been declared the province’s permanent capital.

A rare bit of good news for Nepal in these otherwise gloomy times: Prime Minister KP Oli seems to be slowly regaining his health. He had been largely bed-ridden following a kidney transplant, his second, at the start of March. In his address to the nation on April 7, he looked much better compared to the bleak photos of him that were coming out earlier. Now, hopefully, he can lead the country’s anti-corona response, and can minimize the sort of blatant mismanagement and shenanigans on the part of top state officials that were on display over the past few weeks. But the recuperating prime minister will have a lot on his plate.

The nationwide lockdown has been extended to April 15. Yet even the extended period may not be enough in halting the spread of the novel coronavirus. Testing for the virus has been widened, as tests are now being carried out at 10 centers across the country. Yet around two hundred tests a day are nearly not enough. The lockdown, however long, will be meaningful only when coupled with widespread testing.

It is important that the prime minister himself takes up the responsibility of importing quality test kits and protective gear for medical personnel. We have already seen how even his most trusted advisors can cheat him in the absence of his direct leadership. There is an even bigger challenge before him on the economy, which is on the verge of a breakdown. Besides many businesses going kaput, joblessness could swiftly rise, compounded by hoards of Nepali migrant workers forced to return from abroad.

The suggestion of some civil society leaders that the government trains its focus on agriculture is thus well placed. Most of our arable rural tracts are barren because of the shortage of manpower. This is an opportunity to modernize our agriculture and divert the unemployed masses into it. No other sector can quickly absorb as many working-age people.

Also, instead of trying to silence the government’s critics, as the prime minister seemingly wanted to do during his address, he should rather be trying to take all sectors of the society into confidence. Most critics will rally around him at this time of crisis if they see he is serious about taming the corona beast. Along with importing the right kits, his priority right now should be devising a social security scheme targeted at daily wage earners and low-income groups. The prime minister’s active leadership is indispensable in this long and treacherous road of containment and recovery the country has embarked on.